Al-Futtaim Automotive has intensified its campaign against counterfeit spare parts in the UAE. In 2024, the company conducted 20 targeted raids across Sharjah, the Northern Emirates, and Al Ain, confiscating over 2.5 million fake components valued at nearly AED 7.46 million (approximately $2,031,358). Among the seized items were oil filters worth AED 2.81 million (approximately $765,163) and air and cabin A/C filters valued at AED 0.85 million (approximately $231,455).
Beyond enforcement, Al-Futtaim Automotive has proactively trained 414 government officials across all seven emirates to effectively identify and combat counterfeit parts.
This year’s efforts mark a 116% increase in the value of counterfeit parts seized compared to 2021, which totalled AED 3.45 million (approximately $939,435). The rise underscores the growing threat posed by counterfeit goods to both vehicle performance and passenger safety. To counter this, Al-Futtaim Automotive has implemented a three-pronged approach: strategic raids, extensive training programs, and impactful awareness campaigns.
The Hidden Dangers of Counterfeit Parts
While counterfeit spare parts may appear visually similar to genuine ones, they fail to meet the rigorous quality standards essential for vehicle reliability and passenger safety. For instance, counterfeit air filters can allow unfiltered air into engines, compromising durability, while fake cabin A/C filters expose passengers to harmful pollutants.
The UAE’s counterfeit market remains a persistent challenge across sectors. In the first half of 2023 alone, the UAE Ministry of Economy conducted 4,444 inspections, uncovering 620 violations related to commercial fraud, imitation, and counterfeiting. Federal Decree Law No. (42) of 2023 has further strengthened protections against counterfeit goods, ensuring safer markets for consumers. Since 2019, Dubai Police’s Economic Crimes Department has reported 1,297 cases and seized counterfeit goods valued at AED 8.7 billion (approximately $2,369,010), highlighting the critical need for collaborative consumer protection efforts.
In the third quarter of 2024, Al-Futtaim Automotive conducted five high-impact raids, intercepting counterfeit automotive products worth AED 2.06 million (approximately $560,938). By the end of Q3, 191 government officials had already received specialized training under the company’s program.
Industry Collaboration and Customer Education
“Counterfeit spare parts are not just a threat to the credibility and reliability of all automotive brands but also pose a grave danger to the safety and well-being of customers,” said Antoine Barthes, Vice-President of Al-Futtaim Automotive. “Following our customer-first values, we are committed to protecting car owners by concentrating our efforts, resources, and investments on minimizing the dangers of counterfeit parts. This mission is shared by our partners, like Toyota, as we work together to uphold road safety. Through rigorous enforcement, education, and partnerships with government entities, we are building a safer market and earning the trust of our customers.”
The company’s 2024 campaign emphasizes the dangers of counterfeit air and cabin A/C filters, which directly impact vehicle performance and passenger health. Al-Futtaim Automotive advises customers to purchase spare parts exclusively from authorized dealer networks and to retain VAT invoices as proof of purchase. These measures protect vehicle owners from fraud and facilitate action against counterfeiters.
